The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 26 November 2024. The meeting noted the minutes from the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party and discussed the LGA Peer Review.

Former Tenant Rent Arrears, Current Tenant Rent Arrears, Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and Sundry Debts Write Offs

The Cabinet approved the write-off of non-domestic rates and sundry debtors exceeding £10,000. This decision was made to comply with proper accounting practices. The report presented detailed three National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) debts totalling £87,772.37 and one Sundry Debtor debt amounting to £19,377.40. The report noted that debts are only considered for write-off after all appropriate recovery and enforcement options have been exhausted, or when legally prohibited from pursuing the debt, such as in cases of bankruptcy, liquidation, or where the debtor has absconded.

LGA Peer Review

The Cabinet noted and accepted the feedback and key recommendations from the Local Government Association's (LGA) Peer Review Team following its Corporate Peer Challenge in June 2024. An action plan, prepared in response to the peer review feedback, was also approved. The Chief Executive welcomed the positive stakeholder feedback and stated that the council would demonstrate progress against the post-review action plan to the Peer Review Team in Spring 2025.

Minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party

The Cabinet noted the minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party. Members of the Cabinet expressed their thanks to the officers responsible for organising and overseeing the Christmas in Coalville event on 23 November, acknowledging their efforts despite challenging weather conditions.

Consultation on Enabling Remote Attendance and Proxy Voting at Local Authority Meetings

The Cabinet agreed to respond no to question 10 of the government's consultation on enabling remote meetings and proxy voting. They also agreed to the suggested response to the consultation and authorised the Chief Executive to submit it on the Council's behalf. The consultation period was noted as being open to the public and Councillors until 19 December 2024.

Draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy was approved to go out for public consultation. This new statutory duty, placed on local government in England by the Environment Act 2021, requires local authorities to collaborate on developing these strategies across 48 areas in England. Leicestershire County Council has been appointed the 'responsible authority' for the strategy covering Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland, and requires each of the seven local authorities within Leicestershire to seek authority for public consultation.

Extension of the Coalville Conservation Development Order

The draft Coalville Conservation Area Local Development Order and the draft Coalville Frontage Improvement Scheme Design Guide were endorsed for a 28-day public consultation period. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration, to consider consultation responses and, subject to their consideration, to adopt the extension of the Coalville Conservation Area Local Development Order for a period of one year, expiring on 31 January 2026. This initiative aims to support the Coalville Frontage Improvement Scheme by simplifying the process for property owners undertaking specified improvements.

Appointment of East Midlands Freeport Company Representative

The function to make decisions on behalf of the Council as a member of the East Midlands Freeport Company was delegated to the Chief Executive, once the Council has joined the company. This delegation is necessary as the company requires a named individual to participate in decisions and attend meetings.

Purchase of Land at Wood Road and Victoria Road, Ellistown

The recommendation contained within the report to purchase land at Wood Road and Victoria Road, Ellistown, was approved. Ownership of this land is intended to support the delivery of Council projects and services, particularly those outlined in the District Wide Regeneration Framework.